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Oil headlines are everywhere, geopolitical tensions are rising, and yet markets keep grinding higher. So, what’s really going on? In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan, Bob, and Chris unpack why oil prices are falling even as global conflict dominates the news and what markets are signaling beneath the surface. From the resilience of the bull market to why earnings growth and productivity matter more than headlines, the team explains why short‑term volatility doesn’t change long‑term opportunity. They also discuss the real risk investors face today: sitting in cash and missing a potential melt‑up. The episode wraps with an old‑school Payne Capital Financial Autopsy, breaking down a real retirement case involving a $7 million portfolio that was taking far more risk than necessary. The conversation highlights common mistakes pre‑retirees make—overconcentration in growth stocks, chasing past winners, and misunderstanding income needs—and how a properly structured portfolio can generate reliable income while reducing downside risk. Key topics covered: Why markets often look through geopolitical crises What falling oil futures are telling investors The danger of staying defensive in a strong bull market Cash vs. inflation: the real long‑term risk How to reposition a retirement portfolio for income and stability Why diversification and maturity‑dated bonds matter in retirement Bottom line: You don’t need to take outsized risk to win—but you do need to stay invested. As always, scared money never wins.

Markets are on edge. Oil has surged past $110 a barrel, geopolitical tensions are escalating, and investors are asking the same question: Is this the start of something bigger—and should I change my portfolio? In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris Payne break down what’s actually happening beneath the headlines. While the media focuses on fear and conflict, the market is quietly sending a very different message. You’ll hear why: The so‑called “Magnificent Seven” may have become the Lag‑7 Capital is rotating—not fleeing—into energy, industrials, materials, and dividend‑paying stocks AI may be benefiting everyone except the AI stocks themselves Economic data remains surprisingly resilient despite war and higher oil prices Yield, diversification, and income matter more than chasing the next hot trade Market timing, overconcentration, and media-driven investing can quietly sabotage long‑term plans The conversation also tackles real client concerns—volatility, recession fears, portfolio drawdowns—and explains why perspective, planning, and staying invested matter far more than reacting to headlines. If you’re wondering how to navigate uncertainty, protect your wealth, and avoid confusing a bull market with brilliance, this episode is a must-listen.

The last two weeks on Wall Street have been anything but quiet. Oil prices have swung wildly, headlines are dominated by conflict in the Middle East, and cracks are starting to show in parts of the private credit market that were once sold as “safe” alternatives. In this episode, Ryan, Bob, and Chris break down why—despite geopolitical turmoil—stocks haven’t sold off the way many expected. They dig into what falling oil prices are really telling us, why markets often look past fear-filled headlines, and how earnings, productivity, and profit margins continue to paint a surprisingly bullish picture. The conversation then turns to a growing issue investors can’t ignore, private credit funds. With some funds gating withdrawals and others quietly repricing assets, the team explains why high yields often come with hidden risks, why illiquidity is especially dangerous for retail investors, and how Wall Street has a long history of re-packaging the same risky ideas under new labels. They also revisit a core principle of long‑term investing—simple, low‑cost hedges often work better than complex, expensive “exclusive” products—and why protecting capital matters more than chasing whatever looks best in the moment. If you’re wondering how to stay disciplined during volatility, what really matters when markets get noisy, and why boring portfolios often outperform flashy ones, this episode is for you.

The World Feels Like It’s on Fire… So Why Is the Market Only Down 1%? In this episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan and Chris have a wide-ranging, fast‑paced conversation on what really matters when markets get rattled. With geopolitical tensions flaring in Iran, markets briefly sold off—everything except the U.S. dollar and oil. Yet despite the ominous headlines, the S&P 500 only dipped about 1%. So what’s the market actually telling us? Are we on the brink of a larger conflict, or is this another reminder that fear often speaks louder than fundamentals? The team digs into why trying to time the market by running to cash feels smart—but usually backfires in practice. They unpack why markets tend to “settle up, not settle down,” and why investors often regret being out of the market far more than being temporarily uncomfortable in it. Bob brings historical perspective, explaining why markets often bottom on bad news, not good news, and why some of the best long-term buying opportunities are born during periods of maximum uncertainty. The conversation also highlights the dangers of overconfidence, overconcentration, and mistaking headlines for signals. Bob, Ryan & Chris also address oil prices, inflation, and global growth—exploring how higher energy prices could be a headwind or a surprising long-term tailwind, depending on how global supply and geopolitics evolve. The group also explains what bond markets and earnings data are quietly signaling beneath the noise. Finally, Bob, Ryan and Chris tackle one of the biggest modern worries: artificial intelligence. Is AI going to replace jobs, crush the labor market, and make human advisors obsolete? Or is it simply the latest productivity tool in a long line of innovations that ultimately fuel growth? (Spoiler: human behavior still matters—a lot.) As always, the discussion blends market insight, real-world investing wisdom, and plenty of humor—proving once again that successful investing isn’t about predicting the next crisis, but preparing for whatever comes next. Key takeaways: Why short-term market drops don’t equal long-term danger The real cost of going to cash during uncertainty How diversification actually works when you need it most What earnings, bonds, and oil prices are signaling right now Why AI may boost productivity—but won’t fix investor psychology If you’re feeling uneasy about the headlines, this episode is a timely reminder to stay rational, stay diversified, and stay invested!

In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan & Chris Payne sit down with legendary small-cap value investor Bob Killen, who brings more than 60 years of market experience to the table. The conversation kicks off with a timely debate on gold and silver, sparked by a now viral quote from Bob Killen: “There are only two people in the world who truly understand gold—and they disagree on the price.” With precious metals going parabolic and emotions running hot, Bob offers a calm, long-term framework for thinking about gold—not just as an inflation hedge, but as a reflection of global wealth, supply and demand, and central bank behavior. His long-term price outlook may surprise you. From there, the discussion broadens into the health of today’s market, highlighting the shift away from a narrow, mega-cap-led rally toward a much broader and healthier market, with strength in transports, small caps, commodities, and industrial names. Bob shares why this moment may resemble the 1950s more than the 1970s or 1990s, and what that could mean for investors over the next decade. As a lifelong contrarian, Bob explains why he prefers buying what nobody wants—and names specific areas he believes are currently out of favor, including insurance stocks, REITs, and overlooked small-cap industrial companies. He also explains why discipline, patience, and risk management matter far more than being “right.” The episode closes with some of Bob’s most valuable wisdom: • Why emotion is the enemy of good investing • The danger of falling in love with a stock • Lessons learned from bankruptcy, bubbles, and booms • And why avoiding big mistakes matters more than chasing big wins Whether you’re navigating gold mania, questioning AI euphoria, or looking for opportunities beyond the Magnificent Seven, this episode is packed with hard earned insights, historical perspective, and timeless investment lessons.  Don’t miss this masterclass in long-term thinking from one of the great small-cap investors of our time.

In Episode 232 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan and Chris Payne sit down with two industry heavyweights leading the charge in America’s critical minerals resurgence: Gary Evans, Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY), and Paul Huet, Chairman & CEO of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (USAS). In one of the most energetic and eye‑opening conversations we’ve ever hosted, Gary and Paul reveal how their newly announced joint venture is poised to reshape U.S. supply chains for antimony—a mineral essential for defense, electrification, battery technology, solar, and the rapidly expanding AI-driven economy. Together, they walk us through: The global silver shortage – why the world has been undersupplied by 200 million ounces per year for five straight years, and why silver under $50 may be gone forever. A behind-the-scenes look at their 30‑day whirlwind deal – how two American companies moved faster than anyone expected to launch a first‑of‑its‑kind U.S. antimony processing partnership. Why this may be the beginning of a commodity super-cycle – and why mining equities may still be dramatically undervalued even after silver’s massive run. How U.S. companies are racing to reduce dependence on China – from Project Vault to new domestic refining technologies. Reviving Idaho’s historic Silver Valley – including upgrading decades-old mines, modernizing extraction methods, tripling output, and unlocking a 100‑year district. The real bottleneck in critical minerals – not technology, but feedstock, and why partnerships like this could become the new template. The role of defense spending, allies, and national security in America’s next industrial revolution. Stories from decades in mining, deal-making, and global operations, including Gary’s wild experiences sourcing antimony around the world, and Paul’s journey from underground driller in Canada to CEO. Plus, Paul shares the song that changed his worldview growing up and tells the unbelievable story behind his mining tattoos and how he ended up running some of the top mining companies globally. This episode is fast-paced, loaded with insights, and captures a moment that could shape America’s mineral independence for decades to come. If you care about how commodities can play a vital role in your investment portfolio, national security, or the future of U.S. manufacturing, this is a must-listen.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Adam Johnson, Portfolio Manager of the Bullseye American Ingenuity Fund and author of the widely followed Bullseye Brief. Adam brings his signature 1980’s Wall St. energy as we dive deep into current market dynamics, the power (and pitfalls) of short sellers, the AI productivity boom, inflation surprises, and what investors should brace for in 2026. We kick things off with Adam sharing some of his biggest surprises from the past year—including why several of his high‑conviction names stalled out despite strong fundamentals. From Toast to SMCI, Adam breaks down how aggressive short-selling and the removal of the SEC’s old “uptick rule” have reshaped market behavior in the age of algorithmic trading. From there, we zoom out to the macro landscape: Why falling oil prices were the real inflation antidote in 2025 How AI is already creating meaningful productivity gains Why profit margins remain at historic highs despite tariffs, geopolitical tension, & political chaos And why, even after a massive run, the AI trade may only be in a consolidation phase—not the end of the story Then we look ahead. Adam reveals his two biggest predictions for 2026: 1. A market that climbs far higher than anyone expects thanks to accelerating earnings and a surprisingly strong U.S. economy. 2. A political “blue wave” scare in Q2 that could spark a sudden 20% pullback—only to set up an even more powerful rally as spending ramps up. We also get into: Whether oil is headed for the low $50s—and why that could be wildly bullish The “everything rally” and where value, growth, international, and commodities fit in now Why investor sentiment still isn’t too hot… and why that matters The biggest real risks no one is talking about How to stay disciplined when the market tries to shake you out Finally, Adam shares the moment he knew he’d fully matured as a portfolio manager—and why long-term conviction is the ultimate superpower in the face of noise. This is one of our most wide-ranging, high-energy conversations of the year. If you care about where markets are headed—and how to position for the year ahead—you don’t want to miss it.

In this inspiring episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan sits down with Jimmy Chen—founder and CEO of Propel, the groundbreaking fintech company modernizing America’s social safety net and serving millions of low‑income families each month. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from arriving in Kansas City as a four‑year‑old immigrant from China with parents who had just $200, to becoming a Stanford graduate, early product manager at LinkedIn and Facebook, and ultimately the creator of one of the most impactful social‑good tech companies in the country. You’ll hear: How Jimmy’s childhood shaped his relationship with money, scarcity, and grit—including his early “entrepreneurial” idea to sell his toys to avoid being a burden on his family   His realization that Silicon Valley was building tech for people like themselves, not for the millions relying on programs like SNAP.   The company’s 11‑year journey—from 60 investor rejections and a $12,000 Kickstarter, to raise $90 million from top VCs and investors like Serena Williams and Kevin Durant.   Why Jimmy hires self-reliance, resilience, and at least one successful —not pedigree.   The massive role AI now plays in Propel’s product, customer support, and internal operations.   What he believes the future of education, work, and technology will look like in an AI‑driven world. Jimmy also opens up about the “chip on his shoulder” to succeed, his father’s work ethic, why frugality helped and hindered him, and the music that shaped him as a kid, navigating life in a new culture. This is a powerful story of ambition and purpose—proof that game‑changing ideas don’t just come from Silicon Valley, but from childhood uncertainty and a deep commitment to help those less fortunate in our country.   Tune in for a conversation that’s heartfelt, eye‑opening, and packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone navigating big decisions about money, purpose, and impact

In this episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan and Chris Payne sit down with Aleks Musika — renowned menswear designer and Co‑Founder of luxury label Musika New York. Aleks shares how a childhood fascination with style set him on a path that led from working in retail to joining the Tom Ford Made-to-Measure program, where he honed the craftsmanship and eye for detail that would shape his career. Aleks walks us through how he built his brand from the ground up, transforming an Instagram fashion blog into one of the fastest‑growing bespoke menswear houses in the world. Today, Musika New York is recognized for its bold, modern tailoring and has dressed major celebrities and athletes — including Jay‑Z, Stephen Curry, Kevin Hart, Michael B. Jordan, and Lewis Hamilton. From leaving Miami to build his company in New York, to creating custom pieces for high‑profile clients, Aleks reveals the grit, creativity, and relentless drive behind his success. If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, fashion, branding, or the mindset it takes to break into a competitive industry, this is a must‑listen conversation.

2025 was a stellar year for investors—but will the same playbook work in 2026? In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan Payne, Bob, Chris, and special guest Aaron Dessen kick off the new year by reflecting on an unexpected, across‑the‑board winning year in markets—and then pivot to what really matters now: what could derail your portfolio in 2026. The team breaks down 5 key hurdles investors must watch in the coming year, including geopolitical shocks, Fed rate cuts, the dangers of sitting in cash, speculative “casino‑like” market behavior, and the growing risk of chasing last year’s returns. From surprise upside volatility during global conflicts to why money markets are not a long‑term solution, this episode challenges many of today’s popular investing assumptions. You’ll also hear a candid discussion on: Why no one—not even experts—can reliably predict markets The hidden risks of FOMO in late‑stage bull markets Whether gold, silver, and commodities still belong in portfolios after a big run The difference between investing and speculating in leveraged ETFs and momentum trades Why diversification and discipline matter more than ever in hot economic conditions In the second half of the show, the team performs a real‑world Financial Autopsy, analyzing the portfolio of a retired couple in their late 70s. Aaron walks through how excessive equity exposure, high‑fee mutual funds, and poor tax efficiency put retirees at serious risk—despite “good performance” on paper. The group highlights how reallocating toward income, reducing downside risk, and aligning investments with actual retirement goals can dramatically improve peace of mind. This episode is a powerful reminder that: Bull markets reward confidence—but they also hide risk. Whether you’re approaching retirement, already retired, or just wondering how to position your portfolio for an unpredictable 2026, Episode 228 delivers timely perspective, practical insights, and a healthy dose of market realism. Don’t miss this essential start‑to‑the‑year conversation.

Markets are printing fresh highs, yet some investors are getting crushed—how does that happen? In this roundtable, Ryan Payne, Bob Payne, Courtney Garcia, and Frankie Lagrotteria break down a real case of a couple in their late 50s whose “do‑anything‑to-go-faster” portfolio relied on leverage and crowd‑favorite names…right as they approach full retirement. We dissect why speculation masquerading as strategy can implode even in up markets, why “know what you own and why you own it” matters more than ever, and how to rebuild a plan centered on durable income and disciplined risk management. You’ll hear why the “Ozempic portfolio” analogy fits—everyone wants the quick fix—but lasting wealth still requires basics: diversified exposure, sensible cash flow, and rules that keep emotions out of the driver’s seat. We also cover today’s opportunities to generate income (value, small caps, international, REITs, and bonds at still‑elevated yields), our 5% rebalance discipline, and the investor psychology traps that move the goalposts until a margin call makes the decision for you. As Bob puts it: time passes, markets operate—embrace that principle, and you’ll stop chasing the cool kids and start compounding with the rich ones. What we cover: Why leverage is a “rocket booster” on both gains and losses—and how portfolios can sink while indexes rise The danger of fashion FOMO: copying friends, gym talk, or headlines instead of a plan Income blindness: several million invested but only ~$4K/year in cash flow—why that’s a retirement red flag Today’s income playbook: value, small caps, international, REITs, and bonds (with yields still attractive) Discipline over drama: our 5% rebalance trigger and rules that keep feelings from running your money Investor psychology: goalpost‑moving, “being right twice” in speculation, and volatility as the fee for long‑term returns Practical steps to audit and de‑risk before retirement Key takeaways: Know what you own and why. Double‑levered bets can fall even when the market is up—understand the mechanics before you buy. Build real cash flow. Retirement works best when your portfolio pays you, so diversify toward durable income sources. Write your rules. Pre‑commit to rebalance triggers, position limits, and exit criteria to avoid emotional decisions. Approximately right beats precisely wrong. You don’t need to predict the next macro move; you need a plan you can stick to. Calls to action: If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, run a leverage and income audit on your portfolio. Want help building a rules‑based, income‑focused plan? Schedule a consult with the Payne Capital team and let’s put discipline to work: paynecm.com/financialplan/ — Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review Payne Points of Wealth on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share this episode with a friend who’s chasing “quick wins” instead of compounding.

In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, we sit down with Songe LaRon, a dynamic New York City tech entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of SQUIRE Technologies—the world’s leading all-in-one barbershop business management system. Songe shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Manhattan with artist parents, to earning a J.D. from Yale, practicing law at a top firm, and ultimately making the leap from a more certain future in corporate America to launch a tech company that’s transforming an entire industry.   We explore how his upbringing shaped his relationship with money, the entrepreneurial spark that led to founding SQUIRE in 2015, and the challenges of breaking into tech without a technical background. Songe reveals how he and his team scaled SQUIRE to serve over 32,000 professionals across three continents, raised nearly $150M in funding, and built a culture of innovation that now integrates AI to revolutionize barbershop operations.   This episode is packed with insights on funding a startup, lessons from running an actual barbershop, personal wealth philosophies, and the mindset required to turn an idea into an industry leader. Plus, Songe shares his thoughts on the future of AI in business and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.

Is the AI Bubble Finally Here??? The Roundtable We Needed In episode 225 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan, Bob, and Chris tackle one of the most fundamental—and often overlooked—principles of investing: diversification. Why do so many investors ignore this simple rule and chase the hottest trends like AI stocks? We break down the psychology behind FOMO, the dangers of over-concentration, and why rebalancing your portfolio is one of the hardest—but most important—moves you can make. You’ll hear real-world examples, including a financial autopsy of a couple in early retirement who were unknowingly taking on massive risk. Plus, we share why protecting what you’ve built matters more than chasing the next big thing and how being “approximately correct” beats being “precisely wrong” every time. If you want to avoid costly mistakes and build true financial independence, this episode is a must-listen!

In this week’s episode, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney sit down with Mihailo Bozic, a dynamic 25-year-old entrepreneur whose journey from Australia to New York City embodies the classic immigrant founder story. With Serbian roots and a background in Finance and Economics from the University of Western Australia, Mihailo has already launched two impactful startups tackling real-world problems. From his first venture Envited, a social media app revolutionizing student event planning, to his current company Migrate Mate, a job board helping immigrants find visa-sponsored roles in the U.S., Mihailo shares how he bootstrapped his way to $500K ARR in just three months and built a community of over 16,000 job seekers. We dive into: The challenges of startup funding and scaling How viral LinkedIn marketing helped Migrate Mate explode Building a 15M+ follower base from a meme page Lessons from pitching to VCs as an immigrant founder Given the uncertainty surrounding today’s labor market, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, evolving U.S. immigration policies, and the shifting landscape of American entrepreneurship, this episode offers timely and thought-provoking insights into the state of the modern U.S. economy. Whether you’re an investor, an aspiring entrepreneur, an immigrant chasing opportunity, or simply someone who loves a good hustle story—this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and real-world perspective.

All right, all right, all right—this week, it’s just the Payne Capital crew, no guests, no filters, just real talk. After a string of great interviews, we’re bringing it back to the roundtable to tackle the question everyone’s asking: Are we in an artificial intelligence bubble? Bob dives into market history and draws parallels to the tech boom of the '90s. Courtney shares what Wall Street strategists are saying and why the AI narrative is dominating every segment. Chris gives us the pulse from clients—some are all-in on AI, others are bracing for a crash. Ryan calls out the all-or-nothing mindset and why predicting the top is a fool’s game. We also dissect a real financial plan in our Financial Autopsy segment, helping a couple in their late 60s shift from aggressive growth to income-focused investing—without triggering massive tax bills. From margin debt mania to gold’s surprise rally, from diversification myths to emotional investing traps, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice.   Tune in to hear:   ✅ Are we in 1995 or 1999? Bob reads the market tea leaves. ✅ Why diversification still matters—even if AI is hot. ✅ How to avoid living by the sword and dying by the sword in your portfolio. ✅ The emotional toll of bear markets and how to prepare before they hit. ✅ A real-life case study on reducing risk, increasing income, and optimizing for taxes. Don’t miss this one—because when the tide goes out, you’ll want to be wearing the right financial swimwear.